The peace and order that prevailed during the June 7 protest has shocked Liberians, including the major actors—protesters, non-protesters, the Government of Liberia and foreign partners—since the bellicose discourse that preceded it gave everyone the impression there would have been chaos. The planners of the protest were unsure what would happen, evidenced by their continued demand for “adequate security” and their suspicion infiltrators could cause trouble. Despite its own plans, the Government was also apparently unsure what would happen, which is why they repeatedly urged the protesters to be doubly careful, and which is why they inundated Monrovia with adequate security personnel during the protest. At the end, both the protesters and Government have been heartedly commending one another for acting appropriately. Now, the international community in Liberia that followed the planning and execution of the protest from a somewhat neural angel is also upbeat and delighted, issuing a joint statement not only commending the actors but also reiterating its commitments to continuing to support Liberia’s development process. The Analyst reports.
The international community in Liberia have stressed the importance of inclusiveness, national dialogue, unity and continued respect for the rule of law to move Liberia’s development goals forward.
In a statement in reaction to the successful end of the June 7 protest, a dozen countries and international organizations hailed Liberians for the acting peaceful and orderly during the protest.
In this regard, we welcome the statement made by H.E. President George Weah on 11 June 2019, including his call to all concerned Liberian stakeholders for a round-table discussion on the economy, and affirm our pledge to support this initiative.
“The International Partners in Liberia wish to commend all stakeholders for the peaceful manner in which the June 7 protest took place and record it as another of Liberia’s achievements in the consolidation of democracy, peace and stability,” said the international community residing in Liberia.
Countries and organizations that issued the statement yesterday include African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Canada and France.
Others include Germany, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America (USA).
The international partners specifically commended the Government of Liberia or respecting the right to peaceful assembly, and ensuring that security was provided to all citizens. We also wish to commend the Council of Patriots (CoP) for organizing the protest in an orderly and peaceful manner.
“The International Partners in Liberia also congratulate the people of Liberia for demonstrating their commitment to peace,” said the statement, adding, “We welcome the high level of cooperation between the Government, including security agencies, and the protest organizers.”
The partners also recognized the role played by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) observers and the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) monitors during the June 7 protest.
They expressed commitment to continue supporting the government and people of Liberia in their efforts to consolidate peace and, as stated by the President yesterday, place the “country on a path of sustainable development and transformation.”
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